Amlodipine (Norvasc) is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing (dilating) your blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing heart rate, which lowers the workload on the heart. It also dilates coronary arteries increasing blood flow to the heart.

Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or chest pain (angina).

Amlodipine may also be used for other purposes not listed.

Important information about amlodipine

Before taking amlodipine, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or liver disease.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Amlodipine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Tell your doctor about all other heart or blood pressure medications you are taking.

Before before taking amlodipine

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before taking amlodipine, tell your doctor if you have:

• congestive heart failure; or

• liver disease.

If you are also taking a beta-blocker drug (such as Blocadren, Corgard, Inderal, Normodyne, Tenormin, Toprol, Trandate, Zebeta, and others) do not suddenly stop using the beta-blocker without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Stopping a beta-blocker too quickly can cause serious heart problems that will not be prevented by amlodipine.

FDA pregnancy category C. Amlodipine may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether amlodipine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take amlodipine?

Take amlodipine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Amlodipine is usually taken once daily. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Amlodipine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so you may not know when your blood pressure is high. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

See also: Amlodipine dosage in more detail

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include warmth or tingly feeling, severe dizziness, and fainting.

What should I avoid while taking amlodipine?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Amlodipine side effects

• feeling like you might pass out;

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

• chest pain;

• slow, fast, or pounding heartbeats;

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

• numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling; or

• jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Less serious amlodipine side effects may include:

• headache;

• drowsiness, depression, nervousness;

• dizziness, spinning sensation;

• warmth or redness under your skin;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

• diarrhea, constipation;

• urinating more than usual;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• strange dreams;

• mild skin rash or itching;

• joint or muscle pain;

• dry mouth, thirst, increased sweating; or

• weight changes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Amlodipine side effects in more detail

What other drugs will affect amlodipine?

Tell your doctor about all other heart or blood pressure medications you are taking.

There may be other drugs that can interact with amlodipine. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about amlodipine

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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